NICKEL Overview Information

Nickel is a mineral. It is found in several foods including nuts, dried beans and peas, soybeans, grains, and chocolate. The body needs nickel, but in very small amounts. Nickel is a common trace element in multiple vitamins.

How does it work?

NICKEL Uses & Effectiveness

Preventing nickel levels in the body from getting too low (nickel deficiency). Nickel deficiency has not been reported in people, although it may exist, since nickel deficiency has been seen in animals. Taking trace amounts of nickel in a supplement is effective for preventing nickel deficiency.

More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of nickel for these uses.

NICKEL Side Effects & Safety

Nickel is LIKELY SAFE for most adults when taken by mouth in amounts up to 1 mg/day. Taking more than 1 mg/day is POSSIBLY UNSAFE. Taking amounts slightly above the 1 mg/day level increases the chances of unwanted side effects. High doses are poisonous.

Workers who have been exposed to nickel on the job over an extended period of time can develop allergies, lung disorders, and cancer.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Nickel is LIKELY SAFE in pregnant or breast-feeding adult women when taken by mouth in doses less than the tolerable upper intake level (UL) of 1 mg/day. The safety of higher doses is unknown.

Children: Nickel is LIKELY SAFE in children in daily doses less than the tolerable upper intake level (UL) of 0.2 mg/day in children 1 to 3 years, 0.3 mg/day in children 4 to 8 years, and 0.6 mg/day in children 9 to 13 years. Taking higher doses is POSSIBLY UNSAFE.

Kidney disease: People with kidney disease may not be able to tolerate nickel as well as other people. It’s best to avoid nickel supplements if you have kidney problems.

Nickel allergy: People who are sensitive to nickel, including those with a history of skin rash after contact with nickel-containing jewelry, coins, stainless steel items, surgical implants, or dental appliances, can develop allergic reactions to nickel taken by mouth. These people should not take nickel supplements.

NICKEL Dosing

For preventing nickel levels in the body from getting too low (nickel deficiency): Trace amounts of nickel in supplements.

The estimated average daily requirements or Adequate Intake (AI) levels of nickel has not been established.

The Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) for nickel, the highest intake level at which no unwanted side effects would be expected, is 1 mg/day for adults. For children the UL is 0.2 mg/day in children 1 to 3 years; 0.3 mg/day in children 4 to 8 years; and 0.6 mg/day in children 9 to 13 years.

Conditions & Treatments Related to NICKEL

Conditions of Use and Important Information: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

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